Tag Archives: relax

Summertime is popular time for travel: no school for kids, no packing heavy coats and boots, no denying that the iced-coffee in your cup holder will be consumed faster than your go-to cappuccino. It’s a great feeling to pack up the car, hit the road, and breathe in the warm, flowing air of the day ahead. Depending on where you’re headed, you could be in the car for quite some time.
To prepare you for all the best, somewhat-spontaneous and impromptu road trips this season, I’ve compiled a short list of my gotta-have-em’s for the road (or the air, or the train, or the camping trail).

Portable phone charger
When you’re on the go, especially in the car, it’s easy to find yourself scrolling through the day’s latest tweets and posts on your smart phone to pass the time. With music, maps, and camera all accessible at your fingertips–it’s understandably enticing–and arguably necessary for some. That battery will drain fast if you’re not careful, leaving you phoneless upon arriving to your destination, out and about.
To avoid any miscommunication with friends and family, I pack a portable phone charger: light, easy-to-store in a bag or purse, and at times, a total lifesaver.

No-mess snacks (high in protein and, of course, water)
If you’ve ever found yourself in the seat of a car for multiple hours, you’re probably familiar with the pains of ‘road munchies.’ Always hitting when you least expect them, cravings of salty, vending machine chips and chocolate-covered-something’s from the gas station checkout lines will wash over you like a wave of mini-vans on the way to Myrtle Beach.
To avoid unnecessary stops and overpriced filler-foods, try packing a few protein bars, nuts, or other non-messy snacks that are high in protein to get you through your trip. You’ll save money, time and feel more alert as you chug along to your next destination. Don’t forget to hydrate too, always keeping water on hand.

Upbeat music
I’m all too familiar with the car slump that comes from static conversations and repetitive, rolling window scenery. Wake yourself up, get excited for the trip ahead and laugh with friends and family over some classic, throwback tunes.
The high-energy music puts anxious travelers in a good mood, passes the time, and leaves the car feeling more energized and happy – because yes, we all know the collective, previous state of forehead-pressed-against-window wasn’t doing much for the car’s energy.

A pillow
We are human, and when in the car for extended periods of time, we will sleep. Be sure to pack a small travel pillow or blanket to rest your head against in the tight space. This will prevent any neck pains of headaches from unexpected bumps and unnatural positions of rest.
Your neck will thank you later and friends will dub you ‘pro-traveler’ of the group when you show up prepared, relaxed, and excited for the trip ahead!

A few small changes to your surroundings and your routine may be all you need to reduce stress and improve efficiency during your work day. Check out some of the recent changes I’ve made and leave your suggestions in the comments below!

Decluttering:
Every room in my house needed help. Marie Kondo’s “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” was very inspirational to this process. I’ve cut my entire wardrobe (summer and winter clothes included) in half. There will be no more storing clothes in their off seasons. Getting dressed in the morning is easier— and in two weeks, I have yet to wake up and say, “I have nothing to wear!”

Deleting unnecessary smart phone apps:
I once used three screens on my iPhone to house all of my apps. Now I’m down to one. There are quite a few that you can’t delete, but you can push them out of the way by making a folder for all your extra stuff. And, speaking of unnecessary apps…

Limiting time on social media:
I used to “relax” and “unwind” before bed by surfing through Facebook.
As it turns out, after deleting the app from my phone, I’m sleeping better— for a couple of reasons:
Watching people exchanging harsh words on Facebook over any issue is stressful. I often wonder if the same people would approach someone in a crowded restaurant and have a heated argument with them if they were wearing a shirt broadcasting their opinion instead? Sometimes a keyboard shields us from the fact that there are actual humans on the other side— and becoming emotional about an issue that a Facebook debate will not solve is detrimental to a good night’s sleep.
Reports from the pages of various news outlets on various catastrophes do not bode well for shut eye. I’m not saying I don’t want to be informed— but I am saying that stirring up my fight or flight mechanism before bed probably wasn’t the best idea.

Exercising:
Staying active on a regular basis is just better for your health. With less distractions in the form of physical and social clutter, I spend more time getting my nervous energy out on the trails or the track— which helps get my brain ready for focusing at work.

Eating a better breakfast:
I’ve eliminated coffee and bread from my morning— only because it is better for ME. Ask yourself what would be better for you—maybe even talk to your doctor about healthy foods that could meet your needs. I start my mornings by drinking an entire bottle of water and eating a couple of hard boiled eggs and an apple. I have more energy and I don’t have to worry about the dreaded caffeine crash mid-morning.

We have to be honest— after an amazing weekend on the mountain, our minds and hearts are still in Floyd. Whether you are missing FloydFest like us or you just need a little relaxation and reprieve from Monday, here are a few great products to enjoy from the comfort of your hammock:

Recharge your body with a nutritious smoothie as you relax. Daily Harvest’s ready-to-blend ingredient packs work with any blender. Add water or milk and enjoy the beauty of no prepping, no mess, and no leftovers! Also, because they are frozen, you won’t need to add any ice and can enjoy their blends whenever you want. These ingredient packs are also free from sweeteners or preservatives— so you can be sure you are putting only the best nutrients into your body. Visit their website, www.daily-harvest.com, to choose a few blends and start a subscription today.

Take a trip back in time with Behind Every Great Man: The Forgotten Women Behind the World’s Famous and Infamous by Marlene Wagman-Geller. This book tells the remarkable stories of forty captivating females who stood behind their legendary partners, often at the cost of their own careers, reputations, and happiness. The untold stories include spouses of Alfred Hitchcock, Salvador Dali, Nelson Mandela, Ian Fleming, Bernie Madoff and more. Through fame and its attendant ills— alcoholism, infidelity, mental illness, divorce, and even attempted murder— these powerful women quietly propelled their men to the top and changed the course of history.